DUI Suspect Snoozes Off Twice, Arrested

ROHNERT PARK, CA – A suspected impaired driver was arrested Wednesday in Rohnert Park after allegedly falling asleep -- twice -- while behind the wheel, authorities said.

Officers were called at 9:15 a.m. to Lawrence Jones Middle School, at 5154 Snyder Lane, after a witness reported a man was asleep at the wheel while his car was stopped in the middle of the road, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety said today.

As police were responding, an update came in reporting the vehicle moved and was stopped on Snyder approaching the Rohnert Park Expressway, the department said. Police located the car, running and in gear with a lengthy line of backed-up traffic behind it, and the motorist "sound asleep," officials said.

"One officer positioned his patrol car in front of the vehicle to keep the driver from suddenly taking off and entering the intersection," the agency said.

Police determined the driver, later identified as Ritesh Prasad, 39 of Rohnert Park, appeared to be under the influence, and he was arrested and booked on a $10,000 bail at the Sonoma County jail for allegedly driving under the influence of drugs, as well being a suspected “addict” driving under the influence, police said.

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--Image via Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety